Published: 23 January 2024
Truth Be Told – the intergenerational storytelling charity - is inviting members of community groups, churches, schools, and care homes to join them in sharing a story and experiencing first-hand the powerful sense of connection and belonging it can bring.
From memories, imaginations or books, each story is a chance to connect with other people of all ages and all walks of life. The campaign encourages participants to collect sponsorship for their stories and help to support Truth Be Told’s work in tackling social isolation.
Truth Be Told equips churches with the resources and training needed to tell tales and sing songs with families and older adults in care homes and communities. Their work helps to unite the generations and reduce feelings of loneliness. This model is happening across the country and the charity are witnessing the significant impact of the project with every session. With around 500 session attendances every month, the charity is continuing to grow its work with support from our funding.
Truth Be Told started with an idea from Founder & CEO, Gemma Gillard: “It was five years ago when I finally plucked up the courage to knock on the door of the care home.
“Directly opposite my house, every time I closed my son’s blinds, I’d watch and wonder who lived there and what they got up to. And so, I’d come up with an idea. Would they be interested in some songs and stories with a few local families once a week? Just a pilot to see if the residents enjoyed it. Needless to say, they did!
“Now fast forward and in the last three months alone there have been 79 of these sessions, bringing joy, hope and life to older adults and families alike.”
Funding from grant-makers like Benefact Trust has enabled Gemma’s idea to grow from a seed into a highly replicable social action charity, partnering with 11 churches across the country. The charity’s aim is to reach 30 partnerships by 2026 and triple their impact – alleviating loneliness for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Paul Playford, Senior Grants and Operations Officer for Benefact Trust, said: “Truth Be Told highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships, and how they can improve wellbeing for all ages. We’re delighted to join them in celebrating an incredibly successful five years and help them to develop their work and grow their church partnerships over the next three years, so that more people can benefit from new friendships and a strong sense of belonging.”
If you’d like to join in the storytelling campaign and rekindle community through the power of story, you can find all the information and materials you need here.
